For the second year in a row, the California Legislature has approved a bill that would increase benefits to workers who've been permanently injured on the job. A former CHP officer from Fallbrook was in Sacramento on Wednesday to urge the governor to sign the measure. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
In January 2005, Officer Gary Hoag was investigating an accident on the I-5 near the Orange County border. As Hoag was standing on the shoulder, another car spun out of control and pinned him between two vehicles.
Hoag : Both legs were crushed, the left leg was basically severed. Doctors were able to reattach it rather than amputating it. And the result, I have no control over my ankles, or my toes.
Under the current workers comp formula, Hoag is eligible to receive $45,000 for his permanent disability. The pending measure would phase-in benefit hikes over a three-year period. Supporters argue California pays the fourth lowest benefits in the country.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
